2005 Alumni Award Recipients

We are proud to announce the 2005 Alumni Award Recipients. The Alumni Awards Banquet was held Saturday, February 5, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. in the James B. Chavis University Center.

Distinguished Service AwardMilton Teague Jr.

A Robeson County native, Milton Teague Jr. earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Physical Education in 1970 from Wake Forest University and a Master of Arts degree in Education Administration from UNCP in 1986. In 1982, he started Family Alternatives, Inc. with two employees. Today, Family Alternatives, Inc. employs 325 employees and contractors and provides over 25 services for 13 counties.

Mr. Teague has received several awards for his outstanding service, including: Congressional Recognition to the 911 Relief Act from Congressman Mike McIntyre for services provided by Family Alternatives, Community Living Association for Outstanding Administrator, Outstanding Service Award on behalf of the ARC, Outstanding Person in Government for Robeson JC’s, Past Member and Chairperson for the Youth and Family Commission for Lumberton, Member of the Lumberton Human Relations Commission, and Past-Chairperson/Board Member of the Lumberton Marching Band, Past Member and Treasurer for the Kiwanis of Robeson County, and former Sunday School Teacher and member of the First Baptist Church.

Outstanding Alumnus Award Thomas J. Williams

A native of Natick, Massachusetts, Thomas J. Williams received his undergraduate degree in Elementary Education at Pembroke State University in 1976 and his M.A.Ed. and Ed.S. in Administration from East Carolina University. He is currently completing his Doctoral studies at East Carolina University in Educational Leadership, expecting to complete his studies in 2005. He began serving as superintendent of the Granville County Schools in September 2000.

Mr. Williams was recognized by Governor James B. Hunt with the state’s highest honor, the “Order of the Long Leaf Pine” in 2000. In addition, he was inducted into the East Carolina University “Educators Hall of Fame,” and in 2003 was recognized as a Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow.

Athletic Hall of FameRon Miller

A native of Brooklyn, New York, Ron Miller joined the Pembroke State basketball squad in 1961 after transferring from Edwards Military Institute in Salemburg, North Carolina, where he was a Most Valuable Player in baseball. Mr. Miller graduated from PSC in 1963 with a B.S. in Health and Physical Education and went on to become a successful high school coach. Over his 35-year coaching career with both men and women, he won 624 games, including one 4A a 1993 NCHSAA State Championship with Fayetteville’s South View High School.

As a head coach, athletic director, and assistant principal, the retired Miller is a well-known face within the community and an active member of UNCP Braves Club.

Athletic Hall of Fame Frank Caradonna

A native of Waldwick, New Jersey, Frank Caradonna enrolled at Pembroke State College in 1957 after being recruited to play basketball and baseball for the Braves. He became the first student-athlete from the northeast United States to enroll at Pembroke State. Caradonna lettered in basketball and baseball for four seasons a PSC. He scored a career-high 28 points on four separate occasions in basketball, while turning in a career-best .380 batting average during the 1959 baseball season. Following his graduation in 1961 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business and a minor in Physical Education, he signed a professional baseball contract with the Washington Senators in front of Old Main.

During his professional baseball career, Caradonna set a Carolina League record with 11 consecutive hits. He was batting .298 when a severe ankle injury on a play at second base unfortunately ended his promising career. After 25 years as an educator, Caradonna is now retired and resides in New Jersey.